Shikhar Dhawan
India has got off to a rollicking start on their one-month long tour of Sri Lanka. The first test of the 3 match test series has commenced today at Galle. With the day’s play coming to an end, let’s take a look at how the things panned out for both the teams on day 1.
Hardik Pandya is included in the playing XI to give him his Test debut. The Lankans also included a debutant in their ranks. Opener Danuska Gunathilaka has made his Test debut.
Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first on a beautiful batting strip. The Indian batsmen made merry after they came out to bat. While Abhinav Mukund failed once again to prove his mettle, Shikhar Dhawan made the most of his comeback into the Test team. Continuing with his sublime form, the left hander blew away the Lankan attack with some blistering shots. Dhawan scored briskly and went to smash a breath-taking 190 off just 168 balls, falling just 10 runs short of his maiden double century. His innings was studded with 31 boundaries. He even became the second highest run getter, after Virender Sehwag, in a single session of a test match.
After losing Abhinav Mukund early, Cheteshwar Pujara got together with Dhawan to stitch a marathon partnership of 253 runs. The duo punished the Lankan bowlers and scored at a brisk pace. They didn’t allow any Lankan bowler to settle into their rhythms and made them pay heavily for their missed chances. While Dhawan played aggressively, Pujara held forte at the other end. He’s been playing with his typical composure and is currently batting on 144*.
After Dhawan departed, Captain Kohli came to the crease. But much to the disappointment of the fans, he didn’t trouble the scorers and was dismissed for just 3 runs. Vice captain Ajinkya Rahane then joined Pujara in the middle and the duo has ensured that no further wicket fell. They completed their century partnership and have piled on the agony for the Lankans.
On the other hand, the Lankan bowlers have looked completely out of sorts. None of their bowlers has had the teeth to trouble the Indian batsmen. They even missed a couple of chances to get wickets. They’ve completely lacked discipline and have leaked runs at a quick rate.
The visitors have completely dominated day 1. It’ll be very tough for the home side to make a comeback into the game and compete with India.
India is currently placed at 399-3 and day 2 promises much more action as India look set for a big score.
Image credits- www.theshillongtimes.com
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